RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING POLICY
Classification: Academic
Responsible: Teaching and Learning Team; School Managers
Executive Sponsor: Vice-President, Product & Operations
Approval Authority: Robertson Leadership Team
Date First Approved: July 21, 2021
Date Last Reviewed: July 1, 2023
Scheduled Review Date: 2025-06-30, or as needed
A. PURPOSE
The Recognition of Prior Learning Policy establishes a framework for assessing and recognizing credit for student’s prior learning
B. SCOPE
This policy applies to all students enrolled in Robertson Programs, where processes for application and evaluation exist
Robertson programs with PLAR processes:
● Health Care Aide (Alberta)
Individual programs follow this policy, but may have specific processes for application and evaluation Please see “Section G” for PLAR process documents for individual programs.
C. DEFINITIONS
Term Definition
Formal Learning Experiences
Informal Learning Experiences
Formal learning Experiences occur within an educational institution, and are geared towards a credential, degree, or certificate
Informal Learning Experiences may include activities such as volunteering in the community, managing tasks at work, planning events, hobbies and interests.
Non-formal Learning Experiences
Non-formal learning experiences are educational activities that take place outside of an educational institution such as vocational training, conferences, work seminars, community training programs, and volunteer training
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) is a challenge for credit where student’s prior skills and knowledge are assessed and recognized for credit towards their degree.
Student
A student is an individual who has applied for admission, is currently enrolled, or has previously been as a student at Robertson College.
Student Record
A Student Record is the information which is contained within a student’s file which may include personal information, admission, registration, academic, and disciplinary history at Robertson College.
Work Experience Work Experience includes the skills and competencies that are acquired through formal paid work experiences
D. POLICY
Robertson College recognizes that learners may acquire college level learning through a variety of life experiences, such as employment, volunteer activities, self-directed study, or travel Robertson College has a formal process for assessing and recognizing credit for student’s prior learning.
1. PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT RECOGNITION
1.1 Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) is a “challenge for credit” process
1.2 Students are given the opportunity to identify, document, and be assessed and recognized for prior skills and knowledge that may be credited towards their degree.
1 3 PLAR is done on a course-by-course basis
2 INCLUSIONS
2 1 Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) may include;
a informal learning experiences
b. non-formal learning experiences
c educational activities
d formal learning experiences, and
e. work experience.
3. CHALLENGE FORMATS
3.1 Students may challenge a course for credit through a variety of methods including;
a documentation of work experience
b. self-assessment
c portfolio
d. challenge examinations
e skills demonstrations
f. interviews
g oral exams
h. presentation
i. essays, and
j assessment of education documents
3 2 Students are responsible for keeping copies of submitted documents, work samples, portfolios, and other records in case of loss The College is not responsible for loss or damage to work submitted for PLAR review
4. ASSESSMENT PROCESS
4.1 PLAR credit is evaluated by a subject-matter expert.
4 2 PLAR credit submission requests cannot be appealed
Recognition of Prior Learning Policy: 2021-07-21 Page 3 of 6
5 PLAR Criteria
a Students need to meet the admissions requirements of Robertson College to apply for PLAR.
b PLAR may be granted for most courses with the exception of Career Preparation. Career Preparation isn't eligible for PLAR because it prepares students for employment
c. There is a $50 fee for the PLAR application
6. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
6.1 Students must complete at least fifty-percent of the credits required in a Program of study as a registered student of Robertson College
6.2 Some Programs may have other residency restrictions related to accreditation, licensing or credentials
7 SUPPLEMENTAL POLICIES
71 Students must be admitted to Robertson College in order to challenge credit through the PLAR process.
72 Students may not challenge courses that they have failed
7.3 Students may challenge core courses.
74 If students are unsuccessful in challenging a credit, no grade will be assigned or appear on the student transcript.
75 Students can re-apply for a previously denied PLAR no less than 3 months from the initial decision and only once, providing they can demonstrate additional learning
7.6 Students are responsible for all associated course fees for courses for which they receive PLAR designation.
77 The PLAR assessment is valid for 2 years or 3 intakes After this time, students will need to reapply for PLAR credit.If the program curriculum is revised during the time in which the PLAR assessment is valid, a new PLAR application is required.
Action Responsibility
PLAR APPLICATION
The student is responsible for completing a PLAR Application Form and submitting this form electronically to the appropriate School’s Student Review Committee
The Student Review Committee reviews the application and communicates with the student as needed about the PLAR process and to obtain the necessary information Agreement.
Student Review Committee
The Student Review Committee evaluates the application The assessment findings are forwarded to the student and added to the Student’s File In the case of unsuccessful PLAR applications students will be provided, in writing, the reasons for the denial and information about what additional learning is required what is needed to reapply.
Students who receive recognition of prior learning may register for the agreed-upon courses and receive Standing credit and receive a PL (Prior Learning Grade) on their transcript
G. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Appendix 1: HCA AB PLAR Student Guide and Application
H. RELATED POLICIES
Student Review Committee
None
I. RELATED MATERIALS
N/A
Approved by: Robertson College Leadership Team
Date: July 21, 2021
Last Revised: July 1, 2023
Signatures:
Terena Caryk
VP, Product and Operations
Belinda Loschiavo
VP, Global
Jason Locke, VP, Business Development
Appendix 1
HCA Alberta PLAR Student Guide
HCA Alberta PLAR Application Form